The ultimate guide of what you need to know about doing Disneyland Paris on a budget

Ah, Disneyland, one of my favourite places in the world, however, it can be expensive. After going for my 14th time last week, I wanted to share with you some of the ways you can do Disneyland Paris on a budget, whilst still getting the full experience.

Caveat, everyone has different budgets, and whilst this might still sound expensive, I do believe it’s as good value as you’re going to get, whilst still getting the full Disney experience.

Disneyland Paris at Christmas

I’ve just got back from Disneyland at Christmas and wow, it’s just made the most magical place on earth even more magical!

This was a three night, two day trip, and was a coach trip. It’s not the first time I’ve done a coach trip to Disney, and they’re surprisingly a lot of fun. I love seeing everyone get so excited, and getting to watch Disney films on the coach too.

I couldn’t believe how magical it was; Christmas music as you walk around the park, characters in their Christmas outfits, and it even snows three times a day.

Top tips for doing Disneyland Paris on a budget

So, let’s get into what you probably clicked on this, saving money. Here are my top tips for saving money on your trip to Disneyland Paris.

1. Use a Disney expert travel agent

Usually when it comes to travel, I prefer the DIY method and enjoy it. But when it comes to Disney, I truly believe the best way is to book a disney trip is through a travel agent. But specifically ones who have Disney experts as they can get special deals, but also give you great insider tips.

For this trip, we used Magic Breaks and did their full 3-night coach trip package. Not only was our travel to disney included, and our park tickets, we also stayed in a Disney hotel! Our whole trip was £600 (which also included a full meal plan, read onto the next point for more details…)

The Santa Fe hotel says it’s a 20 minute walk, but if you’re a good walker, you can easily do it in 10 – and it’s a lovely walk as well. There is a free shuttle bus as well, if you don’t feel like walking.

If you’re wanting to do Disneyland Paris on a budget, but still have the full Disney experience, this is the way to go!

However, if you are wanting to book directly through Disneyland Paris, make sure to check out the current packages that Disney have on offer as there are often some good deals to be had!

2. Disney meal plans are a great way to do Disneyland Paris on a budget

I will never not use disney meal plans from now on, because they’re such good value for money.

There are 3 meal plan options; breakfast, half board or full board. We opted for full board for ours, and upgraded to the plus for more restaurant options (including full table service restaurants).

Our plus full board meal plan included; buffet breakfast at Disney hotel, 3 course lunch + soft drink and 3 course dinner + soft drink. I couldn’t believe how much food we ate, and it meant we weren’t needing to buy snacks through the day either!

3. Take your water bottle

Contrary to popular belief, you can take in snacks and drinks to the park with you. One of the easiest ways to save money is to take your water bottle as there’s plenty of places to fill it up for free!

4. Go out of season to do Disneyland Paris on a budget

Sounds obvious, but going out of season saves so much money. And that doesn’t mean you need to loose out on the festivities – I’ve just got back (I was there from the 13th – 16th November) and we had a full christmas experience.

Not only do you save money but you also get to go when it’s slightly less busy as well! A win win in my opinion.

5. Take merch with you

I love to get a momento from my holidays, and the Disney shops have so many lovely things. However, this time, I actually got some gorgeous Disney jumpers from Primark before I came, and I swear it saved me money. Firstly, I felt all disneyfied before I got there, and didn’t feel the need to buy more, but also, the designs this year just didn’t do it for me!

So, there you have it, my tips for going to Disneyland on a budget! Who else is ready to book a trip to Disneyland Paris now! Planning your first trip to Disneyland Paris? Then check out our first timers guide here. And if you have a chronic illness, make sure to check out our spoonies guide to Disneyland Paris here.